Let’s talk about tailoring your job application. What does that mean exactly? When you’re used to submitting a generic application for all advertised positions, this may be a foreign concept or you may have a vague idea of what it means.
Nowadays, expressing your interest in a position simply because you want a paycheque doesn’t cut it. You have to show that your interest goes beyond personal gain. What do you admire about the company that prompted you to apply? What do you think you (and possibly only you) could bring to the position? What value are you ready to provide to the company? And, most importantly, why should the hiring manager trust that you can deliver?
Ever heard of a motivation/ motivational letter? Basically, the hiring manager wants to know what motivated you to apply for that specific position. They also want to know the value you can bring. This goes beyond that generic letter you write just as a formality. So, with today’s competitive job market, you should apply like you mean it. For specific details on Writing a Cover Letter That Gets You Straight to the Interview, follow this link.
Step 1: Do Research on the Company
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many candidates simply don’t bother to do this before sending their applications. The purpose of this research is to make sure that you align your application with the company values, culture, management style, etc. HR managers hire candidates they believe would be a great fit in their organisation.
Step 2: Latch on to a Few Things That Piqued Your Interest
As you do your research, figure out what the company is about and hold on to a few points you’re genuinely interested in. You will need to keep these points in mind as you write your cover letter. Especially with international applications, it’s important to show your enthusiasm—it’s not just that you’re qualified for the position—you’d also love to work for the company because of one reason or another, and your special skills make you uniquely suited for the position.
Step 3: Read the Job Description Thoroughly and Note All Main Points
You’ll want to prove in your CV that you possess all or most of the listed skills and experience. Doing this is not a matter of copying/ pasting the job description and required skills into your CV. You prove that you have the required skills through your previous work experience and achievements. Think of it as a question-answer segment; the job ad asks all the questions and you respond with your CV.
Step 4: Tailor Your Application (Both Cover Letter and CV)
Your CV is not the place to be shy or humble. If anything, you want to be obvious. If they want great communication skills, which part of your work experience proves that? Find it and add it to your CV. Most times, candidates underestimate themselves and don’t realise their work experience contains a treasure trove of skills. When writing your CV, your goal is to market yourself for a position. Try to be as impersonal as possible, look from outside yourself as if you’re applying for someone else. Then pick out all the skills dotted throughout your work experience.
Tailoring your application isn’t easy most times, but it’s quite effective if you want that interview. When you show interest in the company, the hiring manager will also show interest in you. A generic application comes across as lazy. Is that the first impression you’d like to give?
To get all the important information, advice, and tips, check out The CV Design Guide PDF eBook or get the FREE Cheat Sheet.
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